Four pranksters turned themselves into police Tuesday after revving a leaf blower and terrifying moviegoers inside a California theater.

The Edwards Big Newport 6 theater in Newport Beach was evacuated Saturday night after four young people revved a leaf blower to replicate the sound of a chainsaw during an 11 p.m. screening of the psychological thriller “The Gift,” a local CBS affiliate reported.

“It appears they were trying to lead people to believe there was a weapon,” said Newport Beach police spokeswoman Jennifer Manzella, adding that Saturday’s scare is “not something we consider just a minor prank.”

The four persons of interest, who range in age from 15 to 20, turned themselves into police after being identified through security camera footage. An investigation is ongoing.

Kyndall Aldama, who said she hurt her foot and suffered bruises in her scramble for the exit, said she hopes those responsible are charged with a crime, CBS reported.

“I had nightmares that I heard the sound of the chainsaw,” she told the station. “When you go into an enclosed space and say you have a weapon, you’re sending people into a panic for their lives.”

Ms. Aldama is one of three moviegoers who said they were injured in the chaos.